The thyroid gland produces hormones that influence almost all of
your metabolic processes. Most common thyroid problems can cause
depression, mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, restlessness, loss of
sleep, elevated cholesterol levels, and can increase your chances of
having a heart attack or a stroke. The good news is that there are
natural ways to support thyroid health.
Basic types of thyroid problems:
- Goiter - a relatively harmless condition that indicates a lack of sodium in your diet.
- Hyperthyroidism - a condition where an overactive thyroid releases too many thyroid hormones. Problems associated with hyperthyroidism are sweating, rapid heartbeats, weight loss, and, sometimes, eye problems.
- Hypothyroidism - exactly the opposite of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is under active and does not release enough hormones. Problems associated with Hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, and listlessness.
If you are in reasonable health and are looking to
provide nutritional support to maintain proper thyroid health, here is a
list of significant nutrients:
- Iodine
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Essential Fats
- Antioxidants
- Amino Acids
As this list shows, minerals are important for thyroid
production. Iodine prevents the development of goiters. Selenium and
zinc work together to produce the ithroide's hormones. Zinc is also
necessary to stimulate the pituitary glad, which signals the thyroid
gland to produce hormones,. Zinc is a;so critical to the process by
which the DNA's genetic code is read and put into action.
Vitamins and essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and Omega 6, also help keep your thyroid in good working order.
Antioxidants
are not only necessary to keep you thyroid in top condition, but are
especially important for anyone who has had thyroid problems. If you
have long suffered from thryoid problems, you may also consider taking
extra amino acids.
